Let’s Get Down to Business

By Alissa Z. Lacson

People start a business for a lot of reasons: some as a means of income or as freedom to work for themselves, others as a course requirement or as an opportunity to land a job. Then there are those people: full of ideas, creativity, and passion who venture into the ambitious realm of entrepreneurship to make their dreams a reality.

In fact, in our small university town, plenty of businesses, such as little quaint cafés or local online boutiques, keep booming. While we excitedly try out these fresh start-ups, little do we know that some of them are owned and managed by our schoolmates.People start a business for a lot of reasons: some as a means of income or as freedom to work for themselves, others as a course requirement or as an opportunity to land a job. Then there are those people: full of ideas, creativity, and passion who venture into the ambitious realm of entrepreneurship to make their dreams a reality.

Most of you have probably heard of this cozy café right across The Spanish Heritage called Abby’s by Pinky Coffee & Sweets. It’s actually owned by third year accountancy student Abby Teng who first opened its doors to customers on Sept. 25, 2014. It has since been a go-to place for students. “I’m inclined to food-related businesses, being interested in good food myself,” she said. And with that, the café mainly serves scrumptious desserts like rainbow cakes, black sambos, and crinkles, as well as delicious frappes like the White Chocolate Slide or the Rocky Road frappe — all at student-friendly rates.

While it’s never easy to manage a business at a young age because of school duties or challenging customers, “getting to meet new people and dealing with different personalities are great experiences that come along with it,” Abby said. “Besides that, serving good food to people makes me happy,” she added.

A boutique that would not have been possible without social media;

@nevelebymimi is an online clothing and cosmetics shop operated and managed since May 2013 by Cheska Antonio, a fourth year psychology student. Inspired with success stories of young entrepreneurs, Cheska also felt the desire to pursue her own by re-selling branded women’s wear and make up for cheaper prices. With a following of more than 8,000 on Instagram, @nevelebymimi is a fashionista’s haven as you’ll find yourself scrolling through items like Colourpop lippies, Urban Decay Naked palettes, Topshop-inspired denim skirts, and Adidas Superstar sneakers.

Although she struggles with managing her online shop because of academic and extracurricular activities in the campus, she remains happy knowing that she earns through hard work and builds friendships with her customers as well. While problems with shipping couriers or “bogus buyers” and “joy-reservers” still come up often, “[she’s] learned how to always value and respect every person that [she] meets [through meet-ups], to be a responsible individual,” she said.

Starting up a business at a young age is an investment, but it will also bring you life lessons throughout your entrepreneurial journey. Abby says that “some things will test your patience, but you just need to keep your cool because you’ll come out at a disadvantage if you let it get to you.”

“Start young. It does not only give you extra income but [it also] trains you to be an independent and responsible individual,” Cheska added.

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CAMPUS JOURNALISM EXCELLENCE AWARD: Diorson Baseleres, youngest son of Dr. Rosario M. Baseleres and the late Dionisio T. Baseleres, together with College of Mass Communication OIC-Dean Melita C. Aguilar (left) and Vice President for Development Jane Annette L. Belarmino at the launching of the Dionisio T. Baseleres Award for Excellence in Campus Journalism last Feb. 22.PHOTO BY Hannah Bengco

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the Weekly Sillimanian, also known as tWS, is the official weekly student publication of Silliman University, a private Christian university in Dumaguete City, Philippines. Its origin dates back to as early as 1903. Today, the paper is one of only four campus publications in the country that publishes on a weekly basis.